Role of “Options” in Real Estate Investment

A common question asked by many beginning in the business is; "What really are my options for real estate investment?" Although we do not have the space here to outline all the opportunities here, we can address "options." Options are a little used, but highly effective investment technique in transactions where they can meet the needs of both the buyer (or optionee) and the seller (or optionor). , the legal right to purchase a property at a predetermined price and time. This produces constructive equity in the property for the optionee. As you recall, real estate is a "bundle of rights". These rights can be separated and sold one at a time. Therefore, an owner can sell the right to purchase to another person. By agreeing to an option, a property owner gives the other person the exclusive right to buy the property at the price and terms stated in the option.

The basic concept of options opportunities is that a seller (optionor) can rid himself or herself of the headache of operations, operating liabilities and management activities. The optionee can undertake the unwanted obligations and in so doing can make decisions that will produce greater value in the near future, which in turn will allow the optionee to either sell their position for a profit or exercise the option and simultaneously sell the property to another buyer at a profit.

Typically for an option to be profitable, the optionee must either improve the operation of the property or physically improve the property such that it has a higher market value. Options are not used very often, but are a valid technique for transacting business. Perhaps the reason most optionees enter into this type of relationship is that they can do so for less out-of-pocket cost than making an outright purchase.

In any case, where the needs and wants of both parties are fairly represented and satisfied, profiting from real estate is a powerful way to build equities and wealth quickly. Options, like all techniques, can be used in a small proportion of possible transactions and can produce generous profits. The trick, as always, is to know how and when to use them. Good luck in your career.